Mel Gibson to play Santa Claus in action-comedy Fatman

Mel Gibson will be seen playing Santa Claus in the independent action comedy, "Fatman". According to Variety, the film will be helmed by director duo Ian and Eshom Nelms from their own script.

The movie follows a rowdy, unorthodox Santa Claus who is fighting his business decline, while a neglected and precocious 12-year-old hires a hitman to kill Santa after receiving a lump of coal in his stocking.

"This rowdy Santa tale is a film we've been excited to make for some time and we're thrilled to have equally passionate partners in Rough House and Fortitude who carry the same fire," said Ian and Eshom.

Scheduled to film early 2020 in Canada, Fatman is the story of a rowdy, unorthodox Santa who is fighting his business decline. Meanwhile, Billy, a neglected and precocious 12-year-old hires a hitman to kill Santa after receiving a lump of coal in his stocking.

Executive producers include James’ Rough House Partners, David Gordon Green, Danny McBride and Jody Hill.

Gibson is represented by CAA, Nelms by Ilene Feldman Management, LBI Entertainment, ICM Partners and Morris, Yorn, Rubenstein.